Chapter 35

Daniel narrates his month of devastation after Alexis ends the relationship. Though he raises his prices and unexpectedly sells enough custom pieces to purchase Grant House, the victory feels empty. Unable to bear memories of Alexis in the B&B, he shutters it and withdraws from friends, considering leaving Wakan altogether.

Stopping by Doug’s porch in heavy rain, Daniel admits he can’t eat, can’t laugh, and plans to leave town. Doug insists Alexis loved him, but Daniel believes he wasn’t worth the trade-off. The unrelenting storms mirror his grief as he goes home resolved to go south with no plan.

That night, Alexis calls. They speak gently from their dark bedrooms, slipping into easy rapport. Daniel explains he met his savings goal by drastically raising prices. They trade small-town updates: Liz left Jake, secured a restraining order, and had him jailed; Brian and Liz are seeing each other; a new officer, Wade, has replaced Jake.

Alexis describes grueling days as chief; Daniel aches to care for her. The call turns raw as both confess how much they miss each other without saying the words outright. When Alexis asks if he’d still come for her in a zombie apocalypse, Daniel begs her to come now.

Alexis breaks down and ends the call. Overwhelmed, Daniel realizes distance won’t ease the pain because love follows him. To protect himself from future calls, he blocks her number, still determined to leave.